Hi I am Adam and at the moment I work at our Garstang store and I have been with Booths for over 30 years.

I am married to Vicky (who has now tolerated me for 16 yrs and deserves a medal) and we have twin boys, Harry and Oliver, aged 10, who luckily are nothing like me and much more like Vicky.

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

I would not really class myself as a cyclist. More a person who enjoys the challenge of seeing if I can do something, especially when it involves some kind of sport.

My tip for beginners would be. Until you are confident make sure you go out with someone who is an experienced cyclist as it really helps to have someone to encourage you and point you in the right direction, literally sometimes.

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

That’s easy any form of chocolate and flapjack.

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

Definitely a decent pair of padded shorts, for obvious reasons.

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

Cure Leukaemia is a great charity and I have been lucky enough to take part in a number of events that they have held. The London to Paris ride is exceptionally well organised and the comradery is fantastic. Two hundred like-minded people working together to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause while having the opportunity to challenge themselves makes for an awesome 4 days.

Which unconventional animal do you wish could have as a pet?

I already have them “twin boys”

I’m Andrew Taylor and I’m 55 years old. I live near Clitheroe with my Fiancée Rachel and our 18 year old daughter Tallulah. I have been at Booths for 26 years. I work as part of the Estates department, maintaining the stores and sites. My main role is to look after the signs and graphics. I also cover the general maintenance work. 

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

I’ve been cycling most of my life. Its progressed from a means of getting about to racing BMX’s then mountain biking, which I again ended up racing too. I purchased a road bike for training purposes and the rest is history as they say. I still enjoy mountain biking but most rides are done on the road bike these days.

My advice for beginners is to just enjoy getting out, taking in the amazing views out there and enjoy the fresh air in your lungs.

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

My favourite cycling snack would be a plain flapjack, but it definitely needs a coffee to wash it down.

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

My Goretex cycling jacket. I take it on most rides even the summer ones, given the reliability of the Great British weather.

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

I’ve been fortunate enough to ride this event for the last 2 years as part of team Booths. So being given the chance to take part again and raise money is the least I can do. Whilst completing the ride last year I heard firsthand how leukaemia affected so many lives. So, it’s an honour to be able to ride my bike with my colleagues whilst raising money for cure leukaemia.

Where in the world would you love to visit and why?

I’d love to visit Japan at some time, as it’s a different culture than ours and I’m also a big fan of clean places and they seem to have that sorted. 

Tony Routh part of the Loss Prevention Team for Booths 54 years old and married to Jane Routh Safety and Environment Manager at Booths,

Married with 3 children a dog a cat and 3 goldfish.

Previously worked as a firefighter and police officer.

How did you get into cycling?

Cycled as a recreational family activity for many years but nothing serious until I signed up to help with Cure Leukaemia.

Any tips for beginners?

just get on a bike and ride you’ll be amazed how much you enjoy it, the miles soon roll by and you see so much of the country.

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

Jelly Babies

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

Good comfortable shoes.

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

In the last few years both my wife and myself have lost parents to cancer and other illnesses and I believe by doing what I can to help it will hopefully make a difference to someone’s life.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?

 Visiting as much of America as I possibly can.

Damien McDonald is Booth’s Director of Finance and has worked for Booths for eight years.  He is married to Rachel and has two children, Paddy and Leah.

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

When I was a student I used cycling as a way of getting a cheap holiday, either by strapping tent poles to the side of my bike and heading off to the Yorkshire Dales or (after I got my first job) by chucking my mountain bike and golf clubs in the back of my trusty maroon Ford Escort and going wild camping in Scotland, sharing every evening with the plentiful local midges.  When Paddy and Leah arrived, I was more interested in spending time with the family than in exercising and so I forgot about cycling for a little while.

That was until a friend of mine was talking about cycling from John O’ Groats to Lands End but was struggling to convince his wife, who was adamant that he needed to start with something a bit more achievable.  After a few drinks I confidently announced “if you’re going to cycle the Coast to Coast – I’ll do it with you!”  I instantly regretted it in the morning and hoped that my friend would have forgotten the conversation!   He hadn’t, and as we were driving to the start point in Whitehaven a few weeks later, I remember thinking why didn’t I just say “sorry I don’t want to do this!!” 

That was it though, I was hooked!   I loved the experience of spending a few days out in the open, doing some meaningful exercise and feeling proud to be completing the challenge.   I remembered how much I loved being on the bike.  I have never looked back since and have taken part in many more cycling challenges over the past few years.

So my real advice for beginners is to just get out there and take that first pedal – you won’t regret it.

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

I have done a few cycling events with Booths now and on everyone I have returned heavier than when I started – I think that this is testament to the quality of food that we serve in Booths.  My favourite food whilst in #Boothscountry is anything from Cakehead in particular their Berry Bakewells.

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

I always double up on ways to record my ride to Strava (otherwise what’s the point and did it exist at all?) – so my Apple Watch and Garmin cycle computer are essential.

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

To do it all again – I have taken part in the last two years L2P and it is always a fantastic experience and very humbling.  The Cure Leukaemia team are incredible; they organise a brilliant event and are always so upbeat.  We heard both some heartbreaking tales as well as stories of some amazing and inspiring successes.  This encouraged me to raise more funds for Cure Leukaemia again this year, to enable them to continue to make a real difference to people.  Through our fundraising Booths have been able to fund a Cure Leukaemia nurse in a Blackpool hospital and I feel incredibly proud to have been able to make a small contribution to this achievement.

I will be particularly proud year this year and my son, Paddy, is also taking part.  He has never been a cyclist, but after taking a break from education due to an unfortunate accident at University, he is back working at Booths and keen to take on the big challenge.

Who do you admire most and why?

Sir Chris Hoy is an absolute role model his Olympic achievements show absolute dedication and no shortage of talent.  However, despite his terminal cancer diagnosis he remains a positive impact to all around him – truly inspirational.

Flora Knight is a Specialist Team Leader and has worked at Milnthorpe Booths for the last 18 months. After riding last years London to Paris, she went on to ride the entire route of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in August 2024, raising nearly £10,000 for Cure Leukaemia.

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

I first started cycling when I was 14, going out for rides with my dad. Since then, I have been riding and racing all over the country, racking up over 113,000 miles!

 My tip for beginners would be to wear a proper pair of padded cycling shorts- they make all the difference after a few hours in the saddle.

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

A generous slice of cake always goes down well.

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

An inner tube- never ride without one!

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

I had such a great time riding this event last year and loved being a part of raising so much money for such a brilliant charity. It’s a really inspiring event, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ride it again.

What’s your favourite sport to watch?

Athletics, especially when the Olympics is on.

Ian is the South Regional Manager for Booths, and has worked for the company for too long to mention! Ian is a devoted dad to his two children, and a fab husband to his wife.

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

Only started cycling in January, wanted to improve my fitness and sign up to this challenge for a fantastic charity. Only tips I could possibly give so far, are –

1. don’t give up on cleats, if you fall, it only hurts for a minute.
2. Start off on the big front cog, unless youre on a Hill

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

Haribos

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

Good quality padded shorts

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

Simply because the work this charity does, saves lives. Since 2003, they have been able to offer life saving treatment to many people, which would not have been available years before this.

What’s your dream career (if you didn’t work at Booths of course!)?

I always wanted to be a professional golfer, I started young, loved the Lyle and Scott sweaters, but unfortunately did not have the talent!

John has worked at Booths Central Office for 18 years, currently in the role of Head of Marketing & Trading. John lives in Lancaster and has two grown up children. 2025 is a big year, with turning 50, running a first half marathon and taking on L2P for the second time.

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

I bought my first road bike to take part in London to Paris in 2023, before then I never really cycled very often. My tip would be…get yourself signed up for a challenge!

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

I’m partial to a good peanut butter sandwich.

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

The great thing about cycling is you don’t need much kit at all. I would say a bike is the most important bit of kit.

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

The work done by the team at Cure Leukaemia is simply incredible. It’s a privilege to get on my bike and raise money, knowing it will support their cause.

Do you think you’d survive a zombie apocalypse?

I’d certainly have a go.

Hi, I’m Jonathan Roskell, I am the ‘Retail Change Manager and I’ve worked for Booths for over 40 years. 

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

I’ve always enjoyed cycling but always steered away from road bikes and the associated Lycra – that was until last year when I turned 60 and decided to challenge myself and join the Booths L 2 P Team – I now love getting out at every opportunity – and putting on the Lycra 😉

Learn to love the hills , they get easier      

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

Hi 5 energy bars – I love them   

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

The best gel shorts you can afford!

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

Because listening to all the stories and seeing the fantastic work achieved , I’m very keen to support the cause .   

Where is the most beautiful place you’ve seen in person?

Ha long Bay in Vietnam  

I work on the process team in Settle store. I started on trading the team in March 2016 and was asked to move to process in November 2021. I’m originally from Halifax but moved from Leeds to Settle in December 2015. For two years I shared my time between Booths and HM Revenue and Customs. Taking early retirement from there in March 2018 after 38 years. 

I got into cycling when I was 40 when I started mountain biking with a group in West Yorkshire. I thought I would never be keen to move to ‘dark side’ until my partner Dave encouraged me to get a road bike. 

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

My favourite cycling snack is Tunnocks caramel wafers. 

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

 Main piece of kit for a long ride some good comfortable shorts. 

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

Cure leukaemia for my friends son who had a rare form of leukaemia when he was 3 years old and went on to survive and now in his 30’s. 

Do you have a favourite memory?

My favourite recent memory is when I was out walking my dog and my youngest son and daughter in law rang to tell me I was going to be a grandma.

Mark Langstaff is Store Manager at our Knutsford branch and has worked for Booths for 28 years.

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

Always been on a bike since a young age however fairly new to road riding but back for a second time on L2P!

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

Flapjack 

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

Well-padded cycling shorts! 

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

A good friend of mine got a form of blood cancer and he’s thankfully recovered however it motivated me to sign up.

What’s film you could watch every day?

White Men can’t jump! 

Nick Kenyon is joint MD of his 3^rd generation family Cheesemaking business Dewlay Cheese. They have been cheese suppliers to Booths for over 30 years. Nick is married with 3 children.

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

My introduction to cycling came through Triathlon. Although I still swim regularly, I no longer compete in triathlon but still continue to cycle.

Tip for beginners – ride everywhere even if it’s just to the pub!

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

Has to be a Lancashire Cheese and onion sandwich!

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

Assos bib shorts!

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

Its such an incredible and worthy cause and will be an unforgetable experience with a great bunch of people

What do you think the ultimate theme party would be?

The theme is the party! Come dressed in whatever you like!

Nicola is the Store Manager at our Clitheroe Store and has worked at Booths for 22 years.  She is married and has two young children. 

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

I hadn’t cycled since my paper round days! I bought a bike on February 1st, and that’s when my cycling journey began. On day one, I fell off, got back on, and then had to Google how to change gears (they’re quite different from the old paper round days!). On day two, I bought padded shorts – an absolute necessity! By day 28, I had cleats, and the journey continues. I still wouldn’t say I’m officially ‘into’ cycling, but I’m giving it a good go!

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

I’ve become obsessed with our Forest Feast snack range, especially the Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds.

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

I’ll have to give you my top two! Firstly, padded shorts for obvious reasons, and secondly, a puncture repair kit – after having two punctures in one week, I had to learn pretty quickly how to change a tyre.

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris? 

At Booths, we have been dedicated to supporting Cure Leukaemia by raising funds and awareness in every way possible. Witnessing my colleagues take on the London 2 Paris challenge has left me in awe, and I felt inspired to contribute as well. This ride is not only a fantastic way to give back but also a significant personal challenge. Balancing training with work and a busy family life has been tough, but it’s a challenge I’m happy to accept if it means making a difference in the fight against blood cancer.   

What type of books do you like to read?

My reading genre varies greatly; I have a Kindle subscription which allows me to try lots of new books. I jump from reading Biff and Chip with my youngest to Harry Potter with my eldest. My eldest also writes the most amazing stories, which I love to read. I’m currently reading It Ends with Us.

Managing Director of Booths and has been involved in supporting Cure Leukaemia since 2017.

Lives in Harrogate with his family and is a very keen cyclist. This will be his 3^rd London 2 Paris.

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

Started cycling as a way of helping to give up smoking over 10 years ago.  The Tour de France arrived in Yorkshire, he bought a bike and that was it.. hooked !

Just start, you will fall off (it’s normal) – stick with it, many many hours of enjoyment and wellbeing are in front of you.

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

Proper food rather than gels or bars. When in France …. a ham and cheese croissant made at breakfast is a brilliant mid morning snack.  If it’s a long ride a coffee and (carrot) cake stop is almost mandatory.

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

Good quality shorts…. For obvious reasons.. 😉  and always always always take a gilet.

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

Booths have been supporting Cure Leukaemia since 2017.  In 2021 Nigel rode the full Tour de France route over 21 days in Cure Leukaemia’s Tour21 event, that year Booths raised £100k for the charity.  All of Booths Cure Leukaemia fundraising now supports a dedicated research nurse role at Blackpool Hospital, which has been in place for 2 years and we have just committed for a further 3.

On a personal note, this year Nigel is riding for Eva, the daughter of a friend (and former primary teacher of Nigel’s children) who was born with down syndrome and was, earlier this year, diagnosed with Leukaemia and is undergoing treatment currently.

Describe your perfect day?

The sun is shining, the weather is warm, get up late, go for a bike ride, charcuterie, cheese and breads for lunch, take the dog for a walk to the pub, BBQ dinner… bottle of French Pinot Noir, sport on the T.V. (preferably cycling, football or F1)….

Paddy McDonald works on the counters at Booths Longridge store and is also helping the Logistics admin team transfer over to Business Central.  He is also a student studying Produce Design Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University although has deferred his final year following an accident in November.

How did you get into cycling – any tips for beginners?

I am a beginner so I am still searching for tips.  I have learnt the hard way that when you unclip make sure that you lean that way though!!

What’s your favourite cycling snack?

Mars Bar

What’s the one piece of kit that you need for a long ride?

Bib shorts are a must

Why are you keen to support Cure Leukaemia by riding the London 2 Paris?

Cure leukaemia do a lot of great work and I really like that Booths have managed to fund a dedicated nurse within our region so we can see something tangible from the fundraising that we do.  I also really wanted to challenge myself whist I am on a break from studying and thought that L2P would give me that opportunity.  I can’t wait to roil into Paris and see the Eiffel Tower

What’s your favourite kind of weather?

I have also learnt the hard way that cycling in the rain is not fun! So it would definitely have to be sunny weather.